News Article

Inaugural NSW Girls Sevens tournaments set to kick-off

Australian Rugby Union today announced the dates for the 10 inaugural NSW Girls Secondary Schools Sevens tournaments to be held across the state in 2012.

The tournaments will act as the first step in a selection pathway leading from grassroots, to State representation, to the 2013 Youth Olympic Festival and potentially the Australian Sevens squad for the Olympic games in 2016.

The NSW dates are the first to be released in 2012 with other states and territories set to announce their tournament dates in the coming months.

The Secondary Schools Sevens tournaments will be held throughout the year and across the country allowing selectors access to a greater pool of players than they otherwise would have.

Selectors will use the tournaments to select players for their State teams, which will compete in the inaugural Australian Rugby Union National Schoolgirls Sevens Championships held on the Gold Coast in October, from which a squad will be selected for the Australian 2013 Youth Olympic Festival.

ARU Program Manager of Sevens and Women’s Rugby, Dale Roberson, said the Secondary Schools Sevens tournaments for girls provided a positive avenue for both players and selectors.

“Tournaments like these provide the perfect platform to grow participation in Women’s Sevens,” Mr Roberson said.

“They are also part of our plan to deliver clear pathways for young girls and women who dream of representing their country at Rugby Sevens.

“These tournaments allow us to give players a competitive platform and outlet for their skills, as well as provide them with exposure to selectors, all of which gives them the chance to compete for their state and even their country.”

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